Passenger Vessel Captain
Job Description of Captain
We are looking for experienced captains to move up through the ranks of our company.
If you have a sense of adventure, enjoy showing people around and you are safety oriented, you would enjoy working at our company.
Our operation is dynamic, trips change based on weather, where ocean wildlife is located and the needs of our clients. Captains here might work on several different vessels in one day depending on what is needed. call us at 732.592.6400 pay rate is $45-$60 per hour
We are located in Belmar New Jersey, full or part time
Mate/Senior Deckhand
The Mate is a USCG licensed position on our boats. Senior Deckhand is similar to Mate except an unlicensed position. The company, per USCG NVIC 1-91, designates the Senior Deckhand in writing in the wheelhouse of the vessel. Both positions are similar in our company except when two licensed people are required in the bridge. For the following we will refer to both positions as “Mate”.
Work Goals & Responsibilities
- Works with the Captain in ensuring the safe passage of the passengers, crew and vessel.
- Understands and follows the Vessel Security Plan (if it has one) and educates the crew on the plan.
- Has read and demonstrates knowledge of the JSWW Senior Deckhand Training Manual.
- Is second in charge on the vessel and is expected to safely return the vessel home if the Captain is incapacitated. Has studied and demonstrates the understanding of the unique handling characteristics and equipment of the vessel.
- Is competent in knowing how the machinery and safety gear on the vessel works and can train new crew how to use it. He/she routinely inspects the vessels safety equipment such as the life rafts and EPIRB and records this in the ships log.
- Assists the Captain navigating the vessel, especially in marginal weather conditions. Also the Mate safely operates the vessel if the Captain is out of the wheelhouse. He/she will always support the captain and is expected to proactively address any problems or concerns with the Captain in a timely manner.
- With the Captain, the Mate directly manages the crew, assigns jobs to the crew and makes sure the boat is clean and ready to sail the next day.
- Understands and can fill all the positions on the station bill. In emergency situations, the Mate is the on scene director, while the captain is in the wheelhouse.
- Able to lift and carry 50 pounds.
- Acts in a professional manner and sets the proper example to the crew. He/she always has high professional marine standards. He/she makes sure the crew are conducting themselves professionally and fulfilling their work duties. The Mate reports to the Captain on the work performance of the crew.
Naturalist/Narrator
The Naturalist/Guide/Historian (NGH) holds a very important position on the boat as the voice and personality of the tour. In your position you are acting as a representative of the company in providing fun, informative and excellent education, answering questions and entertaining guests.
Work Goals & Responsibilities
- All NGHs take supervision from the captain and lead naturalist. NGH’s always work closely with the captain in determining the best route for the vessel to maximize passenger satisfaction.
- NGHs that work aboard the whale watch will work with Gotham Whale research assistants in helping to educate passengers and promote the relationship between JSWW and Gotham Whale.
- NGH may help in fundraising efforts for a scholarship fund
- NGH serves an important role as a lookout (especially on whale watching or lighthouse trips in restricted visibility) for the captain, listening and looking for other boats.
- NGHs constantly learn from captains and mates, how to use all vessel equipment, seamanship and proper line tying. NGH’s will fill the role of deckhand on bridge watch or other duties when needed. Report time for NGH’s is the same as crew.
- NGHs demonstrate familiarity all the safety equipment located on any vessel they are serving on and how to use it.
- NGHs know the Vessel Security Plan (if applicable) and must complete MARSEC training and safety drills aboard all vessels.
- NGHs are required to take US Coast Guard drug test before working on vessels. Random drug tests are administered throughout season.
- NGHs are under the supervision of the lead naturalist who provides direction in the areas of educational content, quality and delivery.
- NGHs are the play-by-play announcer of the tour and should continually work to keep the passengers informed about where they are, what they are seeing and what to expect.
- NGHs provide accurate (factual) information and make an effort to answer passenger’s questions on every trip.
- NGHs are required to complete or hold Certified Interpretive Guide certification through National Association for Interpretation.
- NGHs constantly work hard to gain more knowledge and improve their narration.
- NGHs make every effort to keep the bridge and NGH materials clean and orderly and clean their boat stations thoroughly at the end of the day.
- NGHs work tendering for cruise ships aboard BHWW CO. vessels as a deckhand. NGHs must be willing to work community outreach events and private boat charters.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree preferably in sciences/natural sciences including ecology, biology, marine biology, oceanography, ornithology, history, and/or formal/informal education.
- Interpretation and education background preferred, but not required. Interpretive Guide training is provided by Bar Harbor Whale Watch Company and is required for all hired naturalists to complete.
- Seaworthy and have experience working on large sea-going vessels that carry between 100-400 passengers.
- Able to pass US Coast Guard drug test.
- Must be US citizen or have permanent resident alien status.
- First aid and CPR certified preferred.
- Able to work 10 to 12 hour days and up to five days a week during busy time of the summer season.
- Able to dedicate to full time employment through May-August or May-October.
- Flexible to changing trip and boat schedules.
- Physically able to lift 50 pounds and stand for long periods of time.
- Able to assist seasick passengers and assist other crew with boat duties including cleaning and general maintenance.
Engineer
The Engineer on our vessels oversees the daily maintenance of our vessels. The Engineer has able knowledge of the vessels mechanical systems. They are able to complete tasks such as changing oil or replacing injector lines. They check and add fluids to the engines and other marine propulsion systems. He/she will ensure the boat is fueled up and watered up for the following day. He/she conducts routine checks on the engines and jets during trips.
Work Goals & Responsibilities
- Maintains the vessels’ maintenance log and fuel logs.
- Keeps track of service intervals on the engines.
- Works closely with the Captain and Mate to change engine fluids and filters at the recommended intervals. The Engineer takes all practical steps to ensure the vessel is properly maintained for safety and to not miss any trips.
- Always keeps the Captain informed of any potential problems with the vessel.
- Strives to teach new Deckhands all the vessels systems.
- Helps the Deckhands with their duties when not engaged in their own.
- Takes direction from the Captain and Mate.
- Safely fuel company vessels. Take Class “C” Underground Storage Tanks Operator training.
- Holds a Transportation Worker Security Credential (TWIC) or be willing to apply for one. Able to lift and carry 50 pounds.
- Understands and demonstrates knowledge of their place on the station bill, knows the other crew positions and how to operate all safety equipment, especially equipment associated with the engine room.
Galley Person
The Galley person is responsible for running the food concession on board the vessel. The Galley crew is considered specialized Deckhands.
The galley must be kept in a high standard that is mandated by the Food and Beverage license granted to us by the State. He/she demonstrates knowledge of all applicable laws to our licenses.
Work Goals & Responsibilities
- Responsible for making sure our stock room is kept full and reorders are made in a timely fashion.
- Makes sure the vessel is stocked at the end of the day with both food and retail items.
- At the end of the day, ensures that the galley area is completely clean, organized and ready to go for the next day, and then helps the Deckhands clean when finished with their own duties.
- In charge of the cash drawer and it contents. He/she picks up the bank in the morning and turns it into the office at the end of the day, with any paperwork.
- Takes direction from the Mate and Captain.
- Demonstrates the knowledge on how to use all the safety equipment on board the vessel.
- Is able to fill the position as a deckhand.
- Knows his/her position on the station bill and what other crew are expected to do in case of emergency or security situation.
- Holds a Transportation Worker Security Credential (TWIC) or be willing to apply for one.
- Able to lift and carry 50 pounds.
Deckhand
The Deckhands on our vessels are the backbone of our seafaring staff. Passengers get their first impressions of our oceangoing service from you.
Work Goals & Responsibilities
- Responsible for the safety of his/her passengers, crewmates and vessel. He/she should point out any potential problems on the boat or with the crew to the Mate.
- Demonstrates knowledge on how to use all the safety equipment on the boat, is competent in appropriate line handling skills and knows what to do in situations that may jeopardize the vessels security. The deckhand understands and can perform the duties in his/her position on the station bill and knows what other crew are expected to do in case of emergency. The deckhand is expected to speak up and ask if they are uncomfortable or do not know or understand emergency equipment or procedures.
- Keeps the vessel clean, during a trip primarily watches out for passengers comfort and safety. Assists vessel engineer with maintenance when needed.
- Takes direction from the Mate and Captain. He/she will assist the Naturalist and Engineer in their duties if needed.
- Should always be interested in learning more about the vessel, seamanship, the ocean and advancing his/her position on the boat.
- Rotates through different deck positions including operating the galley.
- Works around the docks, tying up boats, fueling visiting boats and boarding passengers. Works in the shipyard maintaining our vessels and equipment.
- Able to lift and carry 50 pounds.
Dock Person
The person who takes care of our docks needs to be a self-starter. This person often times works alone and can work with little supervision to get the job done in a professional manner. There is a lot of responsibility with this position and the day-to-day tasks can be numerous.
Work Goals & Responsibilities
- Should hold a TWIC card; this position has security duties which include screening passengers, screening and storing deliveries for boats, observation of cruise ship tendering operations and requires access to Restricted Areas of the facility. Demonstrates a working understanding of the Facility Security Plan. Has more in depth security training than “standard” employee. Security is always a concern and part of this job is looking for unusual activity and or packages around our docks.
- Act as the sale agent for our public fuel sales. Willingness to be trained as a Class”C” Underground Storage Tank Operator.
- Responsible for ensuring the docks, piers and building at Harbor Place and the Harborside are clean, well maintained and safe for our customers.
- Hoses off the docks when they are dirty, throws away any garbage on or near the docks from our passenger vessels or visiting yachts. He/she checks the underground fuel tanks daily. The dock person routinely opens the hatches on the steel floating docks at Harbor Place and pumps out any significant amount of water.
- Makes sure the docks and piers look clean and professional, always remembering that a neater area is more secure and safe than a messy one.
- Picks up the crew lunches and distributes them to the boats and offices.
- Able to lift and carry 50 pounds.
- Takes direction from many supervisors including the general manager/FSO, captains/ VSO, mates and retail managers. Although you may be asked to work in other areas, it is important to remember your primary responsibility is the dock and pier area. Getting your work done at the dock and pier area is a priority.
Ticket Sales / Reservations
Work Goals & Responsibilities
- Work directly with the public at the ticket counter making reservations and selling tickets.
- Ensure each customer has the correct trip / date in the reservation system.
- Must give all pertinent information to customers such as when / where to board, necessary items to take with them, cancellation policy, etc…
- Occasionally will be asked to answer phones.
- Ticket personnel will be responsible for ringing up merchandise, keeping store well stocked.
- Ticket personnel will report to direct supervisors before starting shift to gather important information pertaining to boats, weather, and cancellations.
- Ticket personnel will be expected to keep store and work areas tidy, including light dusting and cleaning when possible.
- Each day one person will be responsible to check the public lavatories downstairs to be sure they are stocked as needed.
- Ticket personnel will be responsible for their cash drawer.
- Ticket personnel will be trained to understand our security system and will be expected to follow all rules and regulations set forth through our security plan.
- Ticket personnel are expected to keep a positive attitude and treat all customers and co-workers with respect.
- As stated under the Notes for all Mariner Positions, your uniform will consist of khaki pants, skirts or shorts (no more than 4” above knee) and company issued shirts. No facial jewelry or tongue rings may be worn while on duty. Perfume or cologne will be kept to a minimum. Any tattoos must be completely covered while working.